Discover Tokyo's Hidden Green Gems:5 Must-Visit Parks!
Did you know Tokyo has over 12,000 parks?
We didn't until we started writing this article.
Many of us have a misconception that Tokyo is just skyscrapers and not muchelse.
Sure, the city life is busy and bustling all the time; but there is enoughgreenery and nature for the nature lovers.
Just for comparison, New York has 2,000 parks and is much larger than Tokyo is.
So stop calling Tokyo a "concrete jungle", because apparently we haveenough parks!
I do have to say that Japan is pretty relaxed with their meaningfor"park". For example, the world's smallest park is in Japan.
But what does "park" actually mean?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary "Park" means:
a large area of land with grass andtrees, usually surrounded by fences or walls, and specially arranged so thatpeople can walk in it for pleasure or children can play in it
Let's check it out with the Japanese dictionary. "Park" inJapanese is Kōen (公園):
1. 市街地などに設けられた公共施設としての庭園や遊園地
2. 国立公園など、自然保護その他を目的として定めた地域
Translated: 1. Public gardens andamusement parks in urban areas
2. Areas designated for the purpose of nature conservation, such as nationalparks
Not the same but quite similar.
Without further ado, let us introduce to you 5 amazing parks in Tokyo youmust visit! Whether you're internin in Japan, a tourist or local, these parksare a sanctuary in a busy city and usually a quite and tranquil place to unwindand find your Zen!
Here is a sneak peek at all the five:
1.Imperial Palace - Tokyo Station
2.Todoroki Valley Park - Todoroki Station
3.Kiyosumi Teien - Kiyosumi Station
4.Yoyogi Park - Harajuku Station
5.Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station
Don't miss these 5 amazing parks in Tokyo!
1. Imperial Palace East Garden
This is a huge favorite for university students, interns and locals who frequently flock to Imperial Palace East Garden to have a good time with friends. There's enough space to picnic, relax and enjoy the view. The Emperor lives close by so it's very well maintained. Enjoy the park with a beautiful view of the Otemachi's skyline which is the financial hub in Japan.
Additionally, it helps that it is conveniently located in that it is only a five-minute walk from the Tokyo station. Previously, a castle stood on these grounds and there are still a few remains to enjoy! The views of the ruins are breathtakingly beautiful. My personal favorite is the museum of imperial collections!
Entrance fee: Free
2. Todoroki Valley Park
This is situated very close to Tokyo's Todoroki station, close toTamagawa River. It is not huge by any stretch of the imagination, just about measuring 1 km in length. There is a magnificent green trail over there that leads you through a wooded valley along a tiny river. The setting is straight out of a movie. Do not miss this! Did you know there is a misconception that this place is only for couples? Parks and nature is for everyone to enjoy so this is not true at all. It gets even better; there are barely any tourists here! It's not a very popular park but definitely worth visiting!
Closure Notice (2025): A large part is closed because a fallen tree prompted the authorities to examine the park for safety reasons. This closure started in September 2023 and is expected to last until the end of 2025.
Entrance fee: Free
3. Kiyosumi Teien
Always wanted to check out an authentic Japanese garden? Visit Kiyosumi Teien and teleport back in time and enjoy delicious wagashi and some matcha at the tea house.
A bit of history: Before this was a park, it was the residence of a rich business man in the Edo-period. He sold it to another rich man (like these things always go) who then sold it to the founder of Mitsubishi! How cool ist hat? He used it to entertain his (rich) guests. Luckily, it the park was donated to the city that opened it to the public in 1932 so you, me and normal citizens can enjoy a bit of nature too!
By the way, watch out for the isowatari, which are basically stone paths along the water. Be careful not to step onto any turtles or fish!
Entrance fee: ¥150
4. Yoyogi Park
The famous Yoyogi Park where people from all walks of life gather to enjoy a bit of greenery; from comedians and jugglers to metal music fans and hobby groups. Interns in Japan meet up regurly here as it's central, convenient and close to Harajuku and Shibuya! This is also the place where real "rockers" gather and dance like it's 1950 on Sundays!
Did you know that before becoming a city park in 1967, this was the OlympicVillage for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics? Before that, Yoyogi Park was a residential area for US military personnel. As you're reading, all these parks have amazing history so it's worth visiting just because of that. On another note, Yoyogi Park is also popular for its Sakura Trees and Hanami. It's a public park, meaning that there are no entrance fees and you can do whatever you please, so don't be shocked when you see people practicing their trumpet or taking their bunnies out for a stroll.
Entrance fee: Free
5. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
This Park is 144 acres (!) and is a must-see as it serves as the national garden under the direct jurisdiction of the ministry of environment. There are 3 unique landscapes Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: the French, the English and the Japanese. If you have just one day in Tokyo and don’t know what to do, then go to this place. Bring some cold green tea and snacks, relax and enjoy the view. You will not be disappointed, trust me!
The park originated during the Edo Period (Long time ago: 1603 - 1868) as a lord's Tokyo residence (ah, heard this one before! So much land...
Later on it was transferred to the Impreial Family in 1903 who used it for recreation and entertaining guests (wait a minute, we heard this one before too!). Durin World War II, the park was almost completely destroyed but eventually, rebuild and reopened in 1949 as a public park.
Shinjuku Gyoen has over 10 different kinds of sakura trees and beautiful momiji during autumn season.
Entrance fee: ¥500 -- one of the priciest parks (until 2019 it was ¥200).
--------
Are there any parks you'd like to visit during your stay in Japan?
Whether you're planning a short trip or a long-term stay, Tokyo’s parks offer the perfect escape from the city buzz. And if you're considering more than just a visit, why not turn your time in Japan into a meaningful career step?
With Zentern Internships, you can explore Tokyo and build international work experience at the same time. Our internships give you a unique chance to live, work, and unwind in Japan; where your lunch break could be a peaceful stroll through one of these hidden green gems.
🌸 Ready to find your Zen in Japan? Let's set up a quick call to discuss your future in Japan!
